IPEF signifies a united effort to bolster economic ties within one of the world's most rapidly growing regions
In a landmark move, the third Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Ministerial Meeting, hosted by the US in San Francisco on November 14, 2023, culminated in the signing of the IPEF Supply Chain Agreement by 14 partner countries. This historic agreement marks a significant step in strengthening economic collaboration and ensuring long-term stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
 
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the meeting.
 
Launched jointly by the USA and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region in Tokyo on May 23, 2022, IPEF represents a significant strategic initiative, spearheaded by the United States alongside key Indo-Pacific partners. It has 14 partner countries including Australia, Brunei, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and USA.
 
The IPEF signifies a united effort to bolster economic ties within one of the world's most dynamic and rapidly growing regions. Covering about 40 percent of global GDP, this collaboration is a strategic move to enhance regional integration, stability, and economic growth.
 
The core objective of the IPEF is to create a more resilient and sustainable economic environment that promotes prosperity and peace across the Indo-Pacific. It's not just about enhancing trade and investment but also about addressing contemporary global challenges such as climate change, supply chain vulnerabilities, and digital trade. The framework's emphasis on clean and fair economic practices reflects a commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change and ensure ethical economic practices.
 
Moreover, the IPEF is instrumental in fostering a rules-based economic order in the Indo-Pacific, countering the influence of non-democratic economic models. By promoting transparency, good governance, and fair-trade practices, the IPEF aims to ensure that economic growth in the region benefits all partners equitably. This initiative is particularly crucial as the region navigates complex geopolitical landscapes and seeks to mitigate risks associated with economic dependencies. 
 
The framework is structured around four pillars relating to Trade (Pillar I); Supply Chains (Pillar II); Clean Economy (Pillar III); and Fair Economy (Pillar IV). India has joined Pillars II to IV of IPEF while it has an observer status in Pillar-I. This reflects a collective approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
 
The Clean Economy pillar focuses on advancing cooperation in clean energy, climate-friendly technologies, and sustainable projects. Minister Goyal, emphasizing India's role, called for heightened collaboration in research and development of innovative technologies, including the hydrogen supply chain, biofuels, and e-waste recycling.
 
Under the Fair Economy pillar, the framework seeks to enhance anti-corruption and tax measures, thereby fostering commerce, trade, and investment. Goyal highlighted the importance of information sharing, asset recovery, and strengthened cross-border investigations to combat corruption, money laundering, and terror financing. Efforts are being made to combat economic practices that undermine fair competition, such as corruption and monopolistic behaviors. This shift aims to create a level playing field for all nations, regardless of their economic size or power.
 
The Supply Chain Agreement, forming the crux of the IPEF, is a base to the collective resolve of the 14 partners. It represents the commitment to building robust and resilient supply chains, vital for the region's economic stability. This agreement, alongside the Clean and Fair Economy agreements, aims to operationalize groundbreaking initiatives, with partners committed to capacity building and technical assistance.
 
The ministerial meeting, achieving unprecedented results in record time, reflects the determination and collaborative spirit of the IPEF partners. The recent meeting, concluding with detailed pillar-wise statements, sets the stage for a dynamic and inclusive economic landscape, with India playing a pivotal role in shaping this vision.
 
As the IPEF agreements progress towards finalization and implementation, they herald a transformative phase in economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific region. This new era is characterized by a concerted effort among the 14 partner nations to address contemporary economic challenges while capitalizing on the region's vast potential. The Indo-Pacific, accounting for approximately 40 percent of the global GDP and 28 percent of global goods and services trade, is poised to become a more integrated and resilient economic powerhouse.
 
Central to this new phase is the emphasis on sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Unlike traditional economic alliances that focused primarily on trade liberalization, this new era prioritizes environmental sustainability, equitable resource distribution, and the resilience of supply chains. Initiatives under the IPEF demonstrate this shift, aiming to create an economic landscape that balances growth with sustainability.
 
Another key aspect is the focus on digital cooperation and cybersecurity. In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring the security and integrity of digital infrastructure is paramount. Economic partnerships are now expanding to include collaborations in digital technology, data protection, and the fostering of a secure digital economy.
 
Finally, this new era of economic cooperation is marked by its inclusiveness and adaptability to changing global scenarios. It represents a collective response to global challenges, setting a precedent for future regional and global cooperation. This approach not only fosters shared prosperity but also strengthens diplomatic relations and mutual understanding among nations 
These agreements, once ratified and put into action, are expected to pave the way for a more connected, sustainable, and equitable economic landscape in the Indo-Pacific. They signal a commitment to shared prosperity coupled with a collective response to global challenges, setting a precedent for future regional cooperation.